Authorities Investigate 91-Year-Old Elizabeth Woman’s Death

ELIZABETH – Authorities are investigating the death of a 91-year-old Elizabeth woman who was killed inside her home during what authorities believe was a robbery attempt last Thursday, according to Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.

The victim, Annette Hempel, lived on the first floor of a two family home on the 600 block of Jefferson Avenue. She was last seen alive by a family member who lives on the second floor around 2:30 p.m. on May 24. When the family member returned a few hours later, they found Hempel on the floor of the living room unresponsive, said Romankow. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:21 p.m. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, but authorities did not immediately release the cause of death due to investigative reasons.

A nearly life-long resident of the city, Hempel was known in the neighborhood as a kind woman.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” said Romankow. “This is nothing but a senseless and brutal act against a defenseless woman. As with all homicides we will use every available resource to make sure the killer is captured.”

Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or people responsible for the homicide of Hempel. Anonymous calls may be placed to 1-8-654-TIPS or via the iternet at www.uctip.org.